CMS Enhances Online Presence

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) relaunched its Website, www.cms.gov, yesterday, making information more accessible for patients, partners, providers, states, advocates, and others who interact with the agency. The site is anticipated to be more user-friendly and has enhanced search capabilities. The Center for Medicaid and Chip Services also launched www.medicaid.gov, which focuses on policies related to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates Health and Human Service agency transparency, and the Web site serves to demonstrate this through information sharing and program information freely accessible to individuals, states, and other stakeholders. The Web site includes federal policy guidance, ACA implementation status, lists of state-approved and pending waivers, and state-specific data and program information.

CMS is asking for public input on how to improve the site. Physical therapists are encouraged to submit ideas or comments to CMS's Idea Factory.